My teaching is deeply supported by my passion for descriptive music. I always challenge the student’s ability to articulate an idea through sound. My philosophy for achieving musical precision involves guiding students to translate their direct life experiences into musical expressions that convey conviction, emotion, and intention. This is accomplished by transforming a student's sensitivity to the world into colored technique on the piano. I extend this philosophy in all of my attributes as a musician, whether it be through teaching, solo piano repertoire, singing, composition, accompanying, or audio production. I encourage my students to develop lifelong skills of creativity, concentration, and multi-tasking. I strongly believe in the value of shaping a student’s personal autonomy in self-improvement, so they may find success in any facet of life, beyond their musical pursuits. By nurturing their independence, I empower them to take ownership of their own learning journey, to set ambitious goals, and to push themselves beyond their own perceived limitations. For me, the piano is merely a tool for instilling this sense of self-mastery, and I take pride in watching my students flourish not just as musicians, but as confident and self-assured individuals, capable of achieving greatness in all areas of their lives.

“We cannot move into a reality we cannot describe. If we can’t describe a world, we cannot be there.” -Terence McKenna

I am dedicated to helping students of all levels unlock their musical potential through the magic of the guitar. I believe that anyone has the ability to learn to play guitar in a meaningful and masterful way. My teaching philosophy revolves around patience, encouragement, and a deep understanding of each student's unique journey. My Music Performance degree from Lawrence University helps me utilize my classical guitar techniques and pedagogy to tailor my lessons to suit your individual goals and learning style, whether you're a complete beginner or seeking to refine advanced skills. I want to teach you not simply to teach you to play the guitar; but to instill a lifelong love for music. Understanding the language of music enables you to express yourself, compose your own songs, and collaborate with fellow musicians. Music is a universal language, and I'm excited to help you become fluent in it.

A passionate and dedicated musician who believes in the power of teaching others to become their own guides on their musical journey. With a philosophy centered on self-directed learning, I empower students to develop their own musical voices, fostering a deep sense of ownership and creativity. Creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment, I go for a neat balance between enjoyment and productivity. Recognizing that music is not only about technique but also about the joy of expression. With a profound understanding that students of any age are multifaceted individuals with complex emotions and responsibilities, I treat each student with utmost respect and care. By providing a safe space for exploration, growth, and self-expression, I help students develop confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of musical identity. As a versatile teacher, I specialize in classical, jazz, and rock styles on both piano and guitar. By embracing these diverse genres, I encourage students to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of musical expression, broadening their horizons and fostering a well-rounded musical education. Embark on a transformative musical journey with me, and unlock the immense joy and fulfillment that comes from discovering your own unique musical path.

Music is beautiful, powerful, and all around us. Whether we are listening, practicing, performing, or composing, we all get to take part in the magic. My utmost goal as a piano instructor is to share that magic with my students by helping them develop the tools to become competent, passionate musicians. As a lifelong athlete and experienced swimming coach and instructor, my appreciation for the overlap in skill development between musicians and athletes is evident in my teaching philosophy. Both require disciplined, consistent practice and strong technical focus to train the muscles to do what they need to do, as well as the courage to perform under pressure. While competency in any discipline cannot be attained without hard work and a committed practice schedule, I strive to make my lessons as enjoyable as possible by incorporating the particular interests and learning styles of my students. In every lesson, I aim to create an environment of respect and free expression. Drawing from my rich background in music theory, I equip my students with the tools and knowledge they need to become well-rounded musicians and find their own musical voice.

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I believe that education begins where curiosity leaves off. The core of my teaching is literacy, creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. My students are encouraged to lean into their interests and approach any challenges from where their strengths can assist. To this end, I find drawing from different musical styles and learning formats can quickstart a student to mastery at the piano.

For my students, I aim to instill a sense of musical literacy; not only learning how to read the notes on the page, but by including ear training and improvisation skills. Students are encouraged to explore systems such as figured bass and lead sheet notation as well as approaching transcription from both the keyboard and with a pencil and paper. Most importantly, I aim to immerse the student in different styles and characters of music so that they can bring their own expression to what they study and perform. 

My musical background consists of many facets: solo performance, accompanying, ensemble playing; classical music, musical theater, opera, jazz, and more. My students are encouraged to explore all these different avenues of music making to make connections with others and grow their personal confidence.